ZBQN.htm

NR ZBQN

AU Schütt-Abraham,I.; Levetzow,R.; Wormuth,H.-J.; Weise,E.

TI Aspekte der Hochvoltbetäubung von Schlachtschweinen

QU Fleischwirtschaft 3/1983; 63: 387-397

PT journal article

AB It has been the subject of this research to compare the method of electrical stunning of pigs by using a high voltage (300V) apparatus - the only permitted method in the Netherlands today - to the application of lower voltage (70-90 V) being more frequently used elsewhere. Experiments carried out in 18 pigs under laboratory conditions to reveal the effectiveness of each stunning method and investigations of the meat quality of 210 carcasses of pigs slaughtered at a slaughterhouse led to the following results and conclusions: 1. Bitemporal application of a pressure of 70 V even for as long as 10 s did not trigger an epileptic fit indicating loss of consciousness in 50% of the animals. Thus, this method did not guarantee effective stunning and was found not to be in accordance with the German legislation on animal protection and slaughter requirements, respectively. 2. Bitemporal application of a pressure of 300 V for a period of only 2 s, resulting in a current flow of more than 1.25 A at each trial, triggered an epileptic fit which lasted for at least 50 s after the onset of current flow in all animals. Thus, this method guarantees long-lasting and efficient stunning according to the laws of animal protection and slaughter requirements. 3. Investigations carried out under practical conditions on hams from two groups of pigs which had undergone either high or low voltage stunning and subsequent conventional processing revealed - as far as the investigated parameters are concerned - no signs of decreasing meat quality due to the application of high voltage or the induction of rather severe muscle contractions. Neither meat acidity (pH-value) nor meat colour (Göfo) showed any significant differences between the groups. 4. Electrical stunning of pigs without preceding fixation does not meet the requirements of animal protection, escpecially when high voltage is applied. - According to the results of this investigation the use of low-voltage current for the stunning of pigs should be condemned and replaced by high-voiltage stunning. Moreover, adequate fixation of the animals prior to stunning, e.g. by use of a restrainer, should be strictly enforced in any case to minimize stress in pigs and security risks for personnel.

SP deutsch

PO Deutschland

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